Got a Minute? 85 - Mulan (2020) (SPOILER-FREE REVIEW).

Mulan is the latest attempt by Disney to update its animated properties as live action features. With the exception of The Jungle Book, I haven’t cared for any of them so far, and Mulan - unfortunately - continues that streak. That’s not to say there aren’t positives in this.

The cinematography is often stunning, and there are quality performances by most of the lead cast. Gong Li is - as ever - the standout in a restrained performance which could have gotten campy. The screenplay, though, suffers serious pacing issues. At times, it drags terribly, then a MAJOR plot point will be entirely rushed through.

It’s jarring. As is the editing. There are many scenes which are over-cut - including one right at the start of the film - and others which seem to be missing shots, causing characters to essentially teleport. The movie’s battle scenes were also clearly “Disneyfied”.

There are obvious instances of performers pulling their punches & stabs. And there is some occasionally awful CGI. I don’t know if any of this will bother the young adult audience at which this is aimed and I do appreciate that Disney didn’t attempt a shot-for-shot remake.